Sultanate of Oman: The General Service Medal with clasp 'Dhofar'. 2nd type strike with obverse cypher of 'Sultan Qaboos' (reigned 1970-2020)

Reference Defence Council Instruction (Army) No 110 of 1968, the medal was awarded to United Kingdom Army personnel seconded to the Sultan of Muscat and Oman's Forces, who served 14 days in the Dhofar operations from 23rd May, 1965 to a date to be decided later

The medal was, in the event, was awarded for services between 23rd May 1965 to 30 June 1976, the same medal with 2 x different obverse Sultanic cyphers being issued. Firstly during the reign of Sultan Said bin Taimur, and secondly during the longer reign of Sultan Qaboos bin Said

The British Army, and in particular the Special Air Service Regiment, or SAS, have a long association with active service in Dhofar. While not eligible for the award while deployed on the strength of British units that qualified for the General Service Medal 1962 with clasp 'Dhofar', nevertheless many British service personnel, including SAS, were subsequently awarded the medal in their capacity where eligible as seconded personnel

The medal fitted with the original riband and mounting bar, this now sans pin and clasp. With makers marks 'Spink' of London (at the old King Street address), on reverse of mounting bar

A good early strike

Condition: EF

Code: 22987